Mother’s Day is a special holiday to honor mothers and mother figures. Many people wonder what colors represent Mother’s Day and if purple is an appropriate color choice. In this article, we’ll explore the history of Mother’s Day, the meaning behind certain colors, and whether purple fits as a Mother’s Day color.
The Origins of Mother’s Day
The origins of Mother’s Day in the United States date back to the 1860s. Ann Reeves Jarvis organized “Mother’s Day work clubs” to help teach women proper childcare and sanitation methods. This was during the Civil War era when many women were left alone to care for their families. Jarvis wanted to empower these mothers with community support and education.
In 1908, Anna Jarvis, Ann Reeves Jarvis’s daughter, campaigned for an official Mother’s Day holiday to honor mothers nationwide. Her own mother had expressed a desire for such a holiday before passing away. On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.
Early celebrations of Mother’s Day incorporated carnations as the symbolic flower. White carnations represented a mother who had passed away, while pink and red carnations symbolized mothers still living. This tradition continues today, and Mother’s Day is one of the highest carnation-selling holidays in the US.
Traditional Mother’s Day Colors and Meanings
Certain colors have become strongly associated with Mother’s Day over the decades.
| Color | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pink | Femininity, love, appreciation |
| Red | True love, respect |
| White | Purity, remembrance |
| Yellow | Joy, warmth |
Pink is undoubtedly the most prevalent Mother’s Day color. It represents femininity, nurturing, and gentle love. Gifting pink flowers, wearing pink apparel, and decorating with soft pinks have become Mother’s Day staples.
Red also makes a bold appearance, symbolizing the true love between a mother and child. Red carnations are gifted to living mothers. Red is passionate and symbolic of the strength of maternal bonds.
White has dual meanings – purity and remembrance. White flowers honor deceased mothers. White also represents the cleansing, nurturing aspect of motherhood.
Yellow conveys warmth, joy, and happiness. Cheerful yellow blooms demonstrate honor and appreciation.
The Significance of Purple
So where does purple fit in? Purple is not a traditionally recognized Mother’s Day color. But it has several meaningful attributes.
Purple is a blend of red and blue. Red symbolizes love and sacrifice, while blue represents wisdom and faith. The fusion of these two primary colors creates purple – a color of magic, mystery, and spirituality.
In many cultures, purple is associated with royalty, luxury, and creativity. Cleopatra, emperors, and kings were notoriously fond of purple. The rarity and cost of purple dyes in ancient times added to its prestige.
Purple is also a color of nostalgia and sentiment. Lavender fields and lilac blooms evoke treasured memories. Many women feel a strong connection to purple.
Moreover, purple has significance in nature. Purple loosestrife and lavender blooms in spring around Mother’s Day. Purple plums, grapes, and eggplants come into season. As heliotrope flowers follow the sun, purple asters connote devotion – poignant for Mother’s Day.
Modern Acceptance of Purple for Mother’s Day
Given purple’s regal, nostalgic, spiritual, and sentimental significance, it has gained standing as a contemporary option for Mother’s Day. Its blend of red and blue makes it an ideal color to encompass the breadth of motherhood.
A 2012 survey by the Society of American Florists found lavender was the fourth most popular flower color for Mother’s Day behind pink, yellow and orange. Clearly, people are embracing purple blooms.
Vibrant purple roses are also gaining popularity as Mother’s Day gifts. Their striking hue combines energizing vigor with intimate sentiment.
Purple candles make thoughtful presents with their soothing ambiance. Handmade gifts like purple scarves, jewelry, and keepsake boxes demonstrate thoughtfulness.
For food-centric families, baking purple cakes or cupcakes is a inventive idea. Recipes that use purple yams or ube are a unique treat. Blending purple fruits like grapes or plums into a cocktail, smoothie, or mocktail offers a personalized touch.
Purple plants like orchids, violets, and lilacs make enduring gifts that enhance the home with calm energy. For outdoor spaces, hanging baskets of purple petunias or pots of lavender are welcoming.
Conclusion
While pink, red, white, and yellow remain staple Mother’s Day colors, purple is an expressive alternative. Its blend of passion and wisdom suits motherhood’s joy and challenges.
Purple is regal yet nostalgic, spiritual yet sentimental. It acknowledges the queenliness of mothers while honoring precious memories. With purple’s increasing popularity in flowers, dining, decor, and more, it is certainly an appropriate color for Mother’s Day.
Remember, any color gift can convey love if given thoughtfully. But purple is definitely a distinctive choice that flatters and celebrates Mom.
